Manufacturing Innovates – Great Lakes Manufacturing Forum

TORONTO, March 29, 2007 -- Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello addressed the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Great Lakes Manufacturing Forum on March 29, 2007.  The forum was an opportunity for industry and government leaders to discuss the way forward for the region’s manufacturing sector and focussed on the themes of innovation, skills, image and borders/logistics.

Minister Pupatello discusses the government’s investments in workforce skills, research and development and commercialization, plus initiatives to develop new markets and drive innovation in key sectors of Ontario’s manufacturing industry.  This is part of an overall strategy for economic growth.

The Minister holds up an aerospace bearing – precision manufactured by FAG Aerospace in Stratford, Ontario – to illustrate how Ontario companies can become innovation leaders in their field.  FAG is one of the companies supported through the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy and its components are found in the engines of virtually every jet airliner in service around the world.

The Minister participates in a panel discussion examining the future of manufacturing in the Great Lakes region.

Pictured left to right: Panel moderator Heather Scoffield, Economics Reporter, Globe and Mail; Minister Pupatello; Dr. Stanley Liberty, President, Kettering University; Larry Barrett, President, Emerson Canada.

The audience comprised industry leaders and economic development officials from across the Great Lakes region.